As a salesperson, engineer, or cybersecurity professional who travels frequently, finding the right backpack can be crucial for keeping your equipment safe and organized.
The Importance of a Reliable Backpack
Imagine arriving at your destination only to find that your backpack has fallen apart, leaving your laptop and other equipment exposed and vulnerable.
Not only does a bad backpack cause discomfort and pain, but it can also lead to costly damage to your equipment. This can be especially frustrating when traveling for work and needing to stay productive.
Arriving at a business meeting or client site with a damaged or poorly functioning backpack can raise questions about your professionalism and preparedness.
As a salesperson, engineer, or cybersecurity professional, your appearance and equipment are a reflection of your capabilities and attention to detail.
Key Features to Look For In A New Backpack
Investing in a high-quality backpack that meets your needs should be a given for someone in your position.
It not only ensures that your equipment is protected and organized but also sends a message to others that you take your work seriously and are prepared for any situation.
By choosing a reliable backpack that fits your specific needs, you can avoid the embarrassment and frustration of a bad backpack and show up to any meeting or client site with confidence.
Here are 5 key features to consider when looking for a backpack:
- Laptop compartment: Look for a backpack with a padded laptop compartment that can fit your laptop securely. Make sure the compartment is well-padded and has enough room for your laptop to fit snugly.
- Durable materials: Choose a backpack made of sturdy, durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. You want a backpack that can hold up to frequent use and protect your equipment from damage.
- Comfortable straps: Look for a backpack with comfortable, padded straps that distribute weight evenly across your shoulders. This can help prevent discomfort and injury, especially if you’re carrying heavy equipment.
- Multiple compartments: A backpack with multiple compartments can help you stay organized and easily access your equipment. Look for a backpack with different compartments for your laptop, charger, documents, and other gear.
- Security features: As a cybersecurity professional, you need a backpack with security features to protect your equipment from theft and unauthorized access. Look for a backpack with locking zippers, anti-theft pockets, or other security measures.
#1. Laptop compartment
When looking for a backpack, make sure it has a dedicated, well-padded laptop compartment. This will ensure that your laptop is protected from bumps and scratches during travel.
Here are some questions to ask the seller before making a purchase:
- Does the laptop compartment have a secure closure mechanism, such as a zipper or buckle?
- Is the laptop compartment located near the back of the backpack to help distribute weight evenly across your shoulders?
- Will the laptop compartment fit your specific laptop model and size?
#2. Durable materials
A backpack made of sturdy, durable materials can protect your equipment from wear and tear during travel. Look for backpacks made of high-quality materials, such as nylon or polyester.
Here are some questions to ask the seller before making a purchase:
- What materials is the backpack made of?
- Are the zippers and other hardware made of high-quality materials?
- Are there any warranties or guarantees offered on the durability of the backpack?
#3. Comfortable straps
Comfortable straps are important to prevent discomfort and injury, especially when carrying heavy equipment. Look for backpacks with padded straps that distribute weight evenly across your shoulders.
Here are some questions to ask the seller before making a purchase:
- Are the straps adjustable to fit your body type?
- Do the straps have padding to prevent discomfort?
- Are there any additional features, such as a chest strap or waist belt, to help distribute weight?
#4. Multiple compartments
Multiple compartments can help you stay organized and easily access your equipment during travel. Look for backpacks with compartments designed specifically for laptops, chargers, documents, and other gear.
Here are some questions to ask the seller before making a purchase:
- How many compartments does the backpack have?
- Are the compartments designed specifically for different types of equipment?
- Are the compartments easily accessible and easy to organize?
#5. Security features
As a cybersecurity professional, you need a backpack with security features to protect your equipment from theft and unauthorized access. Look for backpacks with locking zippers, anti-theft pockets, or other security measures.
Here are some questions to ask the seller before making a purchase:
- Are there any security features, such as locking zippers or anti-theft pockets?
- Does the backpack have any additional security measures, such as RFID-blocking technology?
- Can the backpack be secured to a fixed object, such as a desk or chair, to prevent theft?
Brand backpacks
Brand backpacks can be a great investment for those who value high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and design.
However, they often come with a high price tag that may not be feasible for everyone. Luckily, there are services like Zalando Lounge that offer brand backpacks at discounted prices.
Zalando Lounge is an online shopping club that offers exclusive deals on top brands.
They often have limited-time sales on designer backpacks, making it possible to find high-quality backpacks at lower prices.
The sales are only available to members, so it’s important to sign up for the service to gain access.
The Things You Might Carry
As a cybersecurity professional who travels frequently, there are several important items you may need to carry in your backpack to stay productive and prepared while on the go.
Here are some common items you might carry in your new backpack:
- Laptop
- Laptop and Phone Chargers
- Headphones
- External hard drives
- Notebook and pen
- Multi-tool
- Water bottle
By packing these essential items in your backpack, you can stay productive and prepared while traveling as a cybersecurity professional. Make sure to choose a backpack that offers enough compartments and protection for all of your equipment and meets the other key features we discussed earlier.
Backpacks with Built-In Power Chargers
One of the most frustrating things about traveling with electronic devices is the need to constantly recharge them. However, some backpacks now offer a handy solution to this problem: built-in power chargers.
These backpacks come with a compartment designed specifically to hold a power charger, which can be set inside the backpack.
Once the power charger is set, the backpack offers a USB cable that can go from the power charger to the outside of the backpack. This means that you can charge your devices on the go, without having to stop and search for an outlet.
By having a built-in power charger, you can keep your devices charged and ready to go, even during long flights or other travel situations where outlets may not be readily available.
Some brands which offer this are:
- Targus
- SwissGear
- Mancro
To conclude
In conclusion, choosing the right backpack is crucial for cybersecurity professionals who travel frequently. Look for features like a padded laptop compartment, durable materials, comfortable straps, multiple compartments for organization, and security features. Additionally, consider backpacks that offer built-in power chargers for added convenience.
As a cybersecurity professional, there are also these handy tools you can check out to enhance your work:
Before you go, we want to hear from you! What type of backpack do you currently use for travel? Are you happy with it, or do you find it lacking in some way?
Keep in mind that repairing a damaged backpack can often be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution than buying a new one.
Many backpacks come with warranties or can be repaired by professionals, so don’t give up on your backpack just because it’s showing signs of wear and tear.
By choosing a high-quality backpack that meets your needs, taking care of it, and repairing it when needed, you can travel in comfort and security, and be prepared for anything that comes your way.